Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog assured taxpayers, especially the business sector, that no new taxes will be implemented this year.

Rather, Mabilog said he will pursue a comprehensive tax collection system to further increase revenues of the city government.

Mabilog said tax collection efficiency must be prioritized as the city is becoming one of the most populous areas in Western Visayas.

Mabilog said the city is enjoying the influx of investors including conglomerates based in Metro Manila and “this will result in more businesses and livelihood opportunities that will benefit the city.”

He said the city government has received several inquiries from national and foreign businesses as regards opportunities for business and investments. These inquiries were spurred by the soon to be completed 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant at Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.

Other investment determinants include easy access to the new airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo, the roll on-roll off transportation, the presence of many universities and colleges and over-all investor-friendly climate of the city.

Mabilog also said that he is pushing for full computerization of all transactions in the city to lessen red tape especially in tax collection and tax appraisal systems.

“Also included is the computerization of employees’ office attendance that will include a biometrics system,” the city mayor said.